It soon may be even easier for college students to apply for financial aid. The federal Department of Education recently released its plan to simplify the federal application for federal student aid, or FAFSA. Part of the proposal would allow students to apply for financial aid with the information on their tax returns. CentralCollege Director of Financial Aid Jean Vander Wert says this would streamline the process and make it less intimidating for low-income and underserved populations.